Fighter pilot survives CF-18 Hornet crash in northern Alberta

EDMONTON – A fighter jet crashed overnight in northern Alberta, but the pilot was able to eject safely, according to the Canadian Forces.

Capt. Darren Blakie, of 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, was approaching Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake at approximately 11:45 p.m. Wednesday when his CF-18 Hornet crashed about 13 kilometres north of the base, said air force spokesman Lt. David Lavallee.

“He successfully ejected, was recovered and taken to hospital,” he said.

An emergency beacon was received at the Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Trenton, Ont., just before midnight, but it’s not yet known why the fighter jet crashed.

Lavalee could not comment on any specific injuries Blakie may have sustained but said he’s “in good condition.”

The 417 Squadron, which is a combat support squadron based in Cold Lake, began searching for Blakie, along with local first responders, Lavallee said.
He spent a few hours outside in the cold before he was found by rescue officials. Lavallee said the pilot would have had flares and other tools to aid officials in finding him.

“The pilots are trained to a very high degree in terms of the processes they need to follow to eject, as well as what they need to do when they’re on the ground,” Lavallee said.

It’s not clear how far the pilot was from the crash site when he was eventually found.

The Directorate of Flight Safety, a military organization which aims to prevent the accidental loss of aerospace resources, is investigating.